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gimbal - 3 dictionary results

gim⋅bals

[jim-buhlz, gim-]
–noun (used with a singular verb)
Sometimes, gimbal. a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship's compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped.
Also called gimbal ring.


Origin:
1570–80; alter. of gimmal
gim·bal   (gĭm'bəl, jĭm'-)   


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n.  A device consisting of two rings mounted on axes at right angles to each other so that an object, such as a ship's compass, will remain suspended in a horizontal plane between them regardless of any motion of its support. Often used in the plural. Also called gimbal ring.
tr.v.   gim·baled or gim·balled, gim·bal·ing or gim·bal·ling, gim·bals
To supply with or support on gimbals.

[Alteration of obsolete gemel, double ring; see gimmal.]

Gimbal

Gim"bal\, or Gimbals \Gim"bals\, n. [See Gimmal, n.] A contrivance for permitting a body to incline freely in all directions, or for suspending anything, as a barometer, ship's compass, chronometer, etc., so that it will remain plumb, or level, when its support is tipped, as by the rolling of a ship. It consists of a ring in which the body can turn on an axis through a diameter of the ring, while the ring itself is so pivoted to its support that it can turn about a diameter at right angles to the first.

Gimbal joint (Mach.), a universal joint embodying the principle of the gimbal.

Gimbal ring, a single gimbal, as that by which the cockeye of the upper millstone is supported on the spindle.
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